What to know
Shimoda (下田) is a charming coastal city at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula. It holds historical significance as the landing site of several of Commodore Perry's "black ships" in 1854, an event that ended Japan's isolation and began US-Japan diplomatic relations. Today, Shimoda is a popular destination for marine sports, beaches, and hot springs.
Shimoda is directly connected to Tokyo by Odoriko limited express trains (about 2.5 hours, ¥6,660 one way, hourly departures). Alternatively, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami and transfer to the Odoriko limited express or a local train (change at Ito to the Izukyu Railway) and get off at Izukyu-Shimoda Station, the terminal of the Izukyu Railway. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around ¥8,000 one way with the limited express, or about 2.5 hours and ¥6,500 one way with local trains.
The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the Tokaido Shinkansen and trains as far as Ito; however, travelers going beyond Ito need to pay a supplement fee. In contrast, the Tokyo Wide Pass fully covers trains all the way to Shimoda but does not cover the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Most sights are within a 20–30 minute walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station. Buses also connect most attractions to the station. For exploring the southern Izu Peninsula, Tokai Bus offers several discount passes that make visiting multiple sites more convenient and economical.
How to get to and around the Izu Peninsula
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Shimoda Tourist Association
- Original name
- Shimoda
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.